Manchester United manager David Moyes reacted angrily to suggestions that striker Robin van Persie had handed in a transfer request, as reported by Sky Sports.

Rumours circulated on the eve of United’s game with Newcastle on Saturday that the Dutch striker had a bust up with Moyes and asked to leave the club in January.

However, van Persie went on to start his first game for a month but United lost at home once again leaving the clubs title chances in the gutter and even the prospect of a top four finish looking unrealistic.

Moyes has had to put up with all sorts of issues in his short time since succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson and his reaction to the Van Persie rumours suggests he is getting tired of the media speculation.

When asked about the recent van Persie rumours, Moyes said – “That is absolute nonsense.”

“I don’t know what harder or tougher word I could say but that’s as good as I’ve got.”